The Great Turf Debate: Are Synthetic Fields the Future or a Risk?

Why Turf Is Gaining Ground

In many towns, including Ridgewood, NJ, youth sports parents and coaches are lobbying hard for artificial turf. Their main arguments? Turf fields don't turn to mud after rain, they don't need mowing, and they stay open year-round. Local officials, under pressure to accommodate hundreds of teams and limited field space, often agree.

"We're doing what the rest of the country is doing," said Ridgewood Mayor Paul Vagianos. "We don't have a Yankee Stadium crew to keep grass green."

His stance marks a shift: during a 2021 debate, he opposed turf due to its replacement costs after floods. But like many officials, he's changed position as pressure - and the promise of more playable hours - increased.

A Costly Green Illusion?

Turf may seem low-maintenance, but some say it's a hidden expense. Each field can cost over $1 million to install and tens of thousands to replace or repair after just a few years, especially after floods. This month, Ridgewood's Board of Education allocated $50,000 to fix two water-damaged turf fields.

Critics argue that natural grass, while requiring seasonal rotation and upkeep, is still cheaper in the long run - and far safer.

"We have to go back to grass," said Vagianos in 2021. "It's expensive, but cheaper than fixing turf every few years."

That message has since softened.

Health and Environmental Warnings

Opposition isn't just about cost. Many environmentalists, coaches, and scientists are raising red flags about potential health hazards. Synthetic turf is made of plastic blades, often filled with crumb rubber from shredded tires. These materials can leach harmful chemicals into soil and waterways - and get absorbed through skin.

"We know the chemicals are there, and they're toxic," said Rachel Massey of the University of Massachusetts Lowell. "Especially for children, we should be looking for safer alternatives."

Researchers have shared findings with Ridgewood officials. Some warn of increased cancer risks, hormone disruption, and reproductive harm. The problem is compounded when rubber infill washes into streams during floods - something Ridgewood has experienced repeatedly.

The Heat Factor

On hot days, turf fields can become blistering. Ridgewood resident Jacqueline Hone measured turf temperatures hitting 145^oF, while nearby grass remained in the 90s. These spikes increase dehydration and heat stroke risks, especially for children.

"It's not just plastic. It's an oven," she said.

Turf Industry Pushes Back

The turf industry is booming. Over 19,000 large turf fields exist across the U.S., with around 1,500 added in 2023 alone, according to AMI Plastics. Companies like FieldTurf and Shaw Sports Turf, now owned by investment giants including Berkshire Hathaway, are lobbying hard to keep growth going.

New Jersey is a key battleground. FieldTurf has dubbed it the "Turf Capital of America," with more than 60 million square feet of synthetic surface installed statewide.

The industry insists their product is safe, durable, and necessary.

"Synthetic turf expands access to play," said Melanie Taylor, CEO of the Synthetic Turf Council. "It should remain an option where it makes sense."

A Community Divided

Nowhere is the debate more intense than in Ridgewood, a town of 26,000 with over 400 youth sports teams. Heated town meetings, blog wars, and public backlash have exposed deep divisions.

Alex Finston, a local football official, argued in favor of new turf fields: "It's an investment in our children's health and their future."

But veteran soccer coach Amy McCambridge strongly disagrees. After 20 years coaching Ridgewood's Maroons Soccer Club, she began speaking out about turf-related injuries - scrapes, burns, and toxic runoff. She was soon presented with a contract forbidding public comments on divisive topics. When she questioned it, she was fired.

"I believe it was because of the turf issue," she said.

The club denies this.

The Bigger Picture

Municipalities have started to take sides. Boston effectively banned artificial turf in 2022. Other cities in California and Connecticut are following suit. Yet many continue to use state conservation funds - originally intended to preserve natural green spaces - to fund turf installations.

The New Jersey Green Acres fund has supported turf projects, though it claims to prefer natural grass and encourages towns to weigh the risks.

For opponents, the message is clear: synthetic turf may be convenient, but it's not free of consequence.

"What our kids need," said McCambridge at a town hearing, "is not more plastic. They need a place that breathes."

This article summarizes reporting originally published by www.nytimes.com